Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects 2 to 3 million adults in the United States. As with other mental disorders, OCD ranges from mild to serious. Around 90% of people with OCD also have another co-occurring mental health condition, which is usually anxiety. Even though most people are somewhat familiar with OCD, it’s still often misunderstood, causing additional distress and anxiety for those who live with the disorder. Fortunately, the right treatment helps individuals with OCD manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
Let’s explore what OCD is, the symptoms it presents, and how effective treatment can help.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is a condition characterized by unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform in response to these thoughts. People with OCD often recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, but they find it difficult to resist them. This leads to stress and disruption in their everyday lives, affecting work, school, and relationships.
Without intervention, OCD can cause a number of negative consequences:
- Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
- Isolation from feeling like no one can understand or tolerate their obsessions and compulsions.
- Physical health issues from repetitive behaviors, such as skin irritation or damage from excessive hand washing.
- Sleep disturbances that can led to decreased immunity and fatigue.
- Poor job or academic performance, as OCD makes it difficult to focus at work or school.
- Substance use, as individuals with OCD may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their distress.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm as the condition becomes more difficult to live with and causes more negative consequences in everyday life.
Common Symptoms of OCD
OCD manifests differently in each person, but the core symptoms revolve around obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Here are some common examples:
Obsessions
Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts or fears that cause anxiety. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, concerns about harm, or intrusive, distressing thoughts of a violent nature. Some people also experience a hyper-awareness of their natural bodily processes, such as breathing, swallowing, or walking. Others find that symmetry becomes a focus for them, requiring things to be in perfect order or aligned a certain way.
Compulsions
In an attempt to rescue the anxiety caused by obsessions, individuals may engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Examples include excessive hand washing, repeatedly checking locks and appliances, counting items, or mentally reviewing certain thoughts or scenarios. While these compulsions may offer some relief in the immediate moment, they reinforce the obsessive cycle.
The Impact of OCD on Daily Life
Living with OCD can be incredibly challenging. The constant presence of intrusive thoughts and the pressure to perform rituals can be exhausting. For some individuals, OCD can interfere with work, school, relationships, and even basic self-care. The disorder can consume hours of the day, making it difficult to focus on anything else, which further amplifies the distress of those affected.
In fact, many individuals with OCD hide their symptoms from others because they feel ashamed. They may avoid social situations and other events that trigger their symptoms. Moreover, having OCD makes it difficult to trust yourself, your memory, and your body. It’s understandable why untreated OCD can evolve into other mental health concerns like anxiety and panic attacks.
How Treatment Can Help
The good news is that OCD is highly treatable. While the disorder may not fully go away, with the right treatment, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms effectively and significantly improve their quality of life. The two main forms of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder are medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is highly effective at treating OCD, particularly a specialized form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP helps people gradually confront their obsessive fears in a controlled environment without resorting to compulsive behaviors. By repeatedly exposing themselves to their source of anxiety without performing rituals, individuals can break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
For example, a person with contamination fears may start by touching a surface they believe is dirty without washing their hands immediately. Over time, their anxiety decreases as they learn the feared outcome doesn’t occur, or the discomfort can be managed. The benefits of CBT include being able to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, developing healthier coping mechanisms, reducing the need for compulsions, and improving overall mental resilience.
Medication
Medications, particular Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be helpful in treating OCD symptoms. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help reduce the severity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Medication is typically used with therapy for the most effective results. It can take several weeks for the medication to take full effect, and finding the right dodge may require some adjustments. Fortunately, most people find that medication reduces their anxiety and allows them to participate more effectively in therapy.
Other therapies that can help improve OCD symptoms are mindfulness and stress management techniques, support systems, and coping skills. While OCD can feel ovw hrw leeming, it’s important to know that you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available, and reaching out to a mental health professional is the first step.
Obsessive Compulsive Treatment in Agoura Hills, CA
Awakenings Treatment Center is a recovery center that treats mental health and substance use disorders. We treat obsessive-compulsive disorder using various evidence-based and holistic practices, along with medication, if needed. With the right help, we find that clients are able to overcome their fears and lead the full lives they deserve. To learn more about our approach to treating OCD, contact us today at 833-892-8293.
